Small Water Droplet: Color Crow Series

Author: (German) Prüfer
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Recommended by the authoritative review body of the German Youth Literature Award, the German Youth Literature Research Institute, and continuously selected for the 2003 and 2004 recommended reading lists of primary and secondary school libraries nationwide! The "Color Crow Series" is an important collaboration project between the 21st Century Publishing House and the German Youth Literature Research Institute. The works are selected and recommended by the authoritative review body of the German Youth Literature Award, the German Youth Literature Research Institute, and translated and published by the 21st Century Publishing House. The name "Color Crow" for the series symbolizes the rich diversity of world culture and the colorful styles of the works. Dr. Kurt Franz, the President of the German Youth Literature Institute who specially came to China to participate in the series events, said: "These books combine both fantasy and realistic themes, which are extremely familiar and beloved by German youth. Some have even been included in German primary and secondary school textbooks or supplementary materials. They serve as a cross-section, allowing a broad readership in China to gain a profile of German youth literature through this series. Dr. Franz highly appreciates and endorses the understanding of the works and the meticulous design and production of the books by the 21st Century Publishing House in translating and publishing this series. The series has already published sixteen books, marking the first large-scale collection of contemporary outstanding children's literature from German-speaking countries in China. It includes works such as The Secret of Lanhe by fantasy master Michael Ende, The Little Witch, The Little Ghost, and The Little Water Sprite by literary giant Otfried Preu?ler, as well as Me and My Little Sister Clara, hailed as a "classic work of modern children's literature depicting the innocence and charm of childhood," and the novel Benni and Anna, which deeply touches young readers from different countries and reflects on the issue of childhood love. Compared to other imported children's books, this series stands out with its diverse forms, wide-ranging themes, engaging content, refined taste, and close connection to children. Its publication has brought Chinese young readers an extraordinary reading pleasure and has also provided critics and children's literature writers with a valuable sample for discussion, reference, inspiration, and appreciation of classics. It is reported that seven books from the "Color Crow Series" were published in two batches in advance and have continuously been selected for the 2003-2004 recommended reading lists of primary and secondary school libraries and have all been included in the 2004 Knowledge Project recommended reading list. The Little Water Sprite family lives underwater in the mill pond. Like all boys, he is joyful and mischievous. As the Little Water Sprite grows, he meets various fish in the mill pond and swims around on the back of the carp Ciprian. He also floats to the surface to learn about air, rain, the sun, the moon, as well as ships and mills. What makes him happiest is using the mill's water trough as a slide—oh, and there are people too! He makes friends with three boys and together they roast stones (actually potatoes) to eat. The year passes quickly, and the pond's surface freezes over thickly. The Little Water Sprite must hibernate, and in beautiful dreams, he awaits the arrival of spring.